IU appoints vice president for government relations

NEW ALBANY, Ind. -- The Indiana University Board of Trustees today (April 2) confirmed the appointment of Thomas C. Healy as the university's vice president for government relations, effective June 1. IU president Adam W. Herbert recommended the appointment and said the newly established position is designed to more effectively lead, manage and coordinate the university's governmental efforts at the state and federal levels.

Healy currently serves as assistant to the president for government relations at Florida Gulf Coast University and has worked in higher education for more than 35 years, including serving as coordinator of the Washington Lobbying Office for the State Universities of Florida and as vice chancellor for governmental affairs and development for the Board of Regents, State University System of Florida.

"Tom Healy brings to Indiana University an unparalleled range of experiences and accomplishments in higher education and particularly in government relations," said Herbert. "I know of no one more knowledgeable of higher education and more skilled in garnering support for higher education institutions than Tom."

Herbert and Healy worked together for many years in Florida. For more than 25 years, Healy served in a number of academic and senior leadership positions at the University of North Florida, some while Herbert was president at North Florida. Healy also worked in the State University System while Herbert was chancellor of the nation's second largest higher education system.

Healy is credited with obtaining over $125 million in federal appropriation for Florida's higher education institutions while he led the federal lobbying effort for the Florida system.

"I am eager to serve Indiana University in a position in which I believe I can significantly contribute to the growth and vitality of this remarkable institution," said Healy. "I look forward to once again joining Dr. Herbert and my new colleagues later this spring."

"Florida's loss is Indiana's gain," said Bill Merwin, president of Florida Gulf Coast University. "Tom is a remarkable individual, a person with tremendous knowledge about the legislative process, terrific interpersonal skills and a great team player. We will miss him."

Herbert outlined the rationale for the new vice presidency. He noted that "at a time when public resources for higher education are becoming more scarce, and as we experience pressure to keep tuition increases in check, IU must work more strategically and effectively with our partners in government if we are to assure the continuing quality and prestige of this great institution."

Under Herbert's plan, the directors of state relations and federal relations will report to and coordinate their efforts with the new vice president for government relations; previously, both directors worked independently and reported to the president. Hoosiers for Higher Education, IU's grassroots lobbying organization, also will operate under Healy's leadership.

"We are relying on Tom's expertise to take our government relations efforts to a higher level," said Eichhorn. "The partnership between government and higher education has never been more critical, and Tom's appointment today is intended to underscore our desire to work more effectively with the public sector."

Healy will use the next two months to prepare for his move from Florida to Indiana and to begin meeting with colleagues and elected officials. He will be paid $220,000 in his new position.